Shoving diamonds all over a tourbillon movement based watch can often have a "gaudy" result. It's hard to produce the ultra decadent and still have it appear tasteful. I believe that despite the almost half million dollar price of this Chopard Ladies Diamond Quattro Tourbillon watch, it still remains cleverly and attractively designed.

The decadence comes with the 42mm wide 18k white or rose gold case fitted with about 450 diamonds (over 10 carats) in round, baguette, and pave cuts. The watches are matched with white or pink alligator straps. Inside is Chopard's lauded L.U.C. 4T manufacture made tourbillon movement. The "Quattro" relates to the fact that the movement contain four barrels for a total power reserve of 216 hours (nine days) in this manually wound movement! Further, this Chopard L.U.C. 4T is one of the few chronometer COSC certified tourbillon movements available.

Attractive design comes from use of the classic Chopard Happy Diamond Sport watch case, and the beautiful dial layout. A gold Chopard cursive signature "C" creates the tourbillon bridge as well as the focal point of the dial display. Blued hands are clear and attractive, even for the seconds displayed via the tourbillon cage. You might have missed it at first glace, but the upper portion of the dial is reserved for the well integrated power reserve indicator, with a single ruby placed at the "empty" position.

While the Chopard Ladies Diamond Quattro Tourbillon watch with its limited edition of only 50 pieces (25 for white gold, 25 for rose gold), might be for the wealthy only, it still passes muster for attractive design without an excess of gaudy offensiveness.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.